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THIS STORY WILL BE UPDATED AS IT DEVELOPS May 18, 2020 – The explosion and fire at the “Smoke Tokes” facility in downtown Los Angeles, resulting in injuries to several firefighters, did not happen at a facility that contained cannabis, nor did it have any license for manufacturing or distributing cannabis products, according to a …
Two special elections are being held on Tuesday, May 12, in Congressional District 25 (parts of LA and Ventura counties) and in State Senate District 28 (in Riverside county). Vying for the open Congressional seat left vacant by Rep. Katie Hill are Democrat Christy Smith and Republican Mike Garcia. Smith, a California Assemblywoman, has a …
Read moreHow to Vote for Marijuana in CA’s May 12 Special Elections
The battleground for cannabis rights has often shifted to the local level, where many of California’s cities and counties are passing ordinances restricting marijuana businesses, cultivation rights, and more. Locals have the right to enact zoning ordinances, and often listen to a few NIMBYs or well-meaning individuals who are fearful of progress, sometimes using tired …
THIS PAGE WILL BE UPDATED AS BILLS ARE AMENDED OR VOTED ON. UPDATE 5/8/2020 – On May 21, the Assembly Business & Professions Committee will hear three bills, each of which would enact $30,000/day state fines for operating unlicensed cannabis businesses, or allowing property to be used for one. They are: AB 3330 (O’Donnell) – …
April 21, 2020 – The ACLU released a report on 4/20 finding that on average, 3.6 times as many black people are arrested for marijuana possession offenses than are white people in the US, despite similar usage rates. This disparity has not improved over the last decade, and in fact, disparities have actually worsened in …
Read moreCalifornia, All States Still Showing Racial Disparity in Marijuana Arrest Rates
UPDATE May 5, 2020 – The El Dorado County Board of Supervisors voted today to approve an ordinance that limits cannabis cultivation to six plants per parcel, but exempts for 2020 existing personal medical gardens that have been planted under the old ordinance allowing 200, 400 or 600 square feet, depending on parcel size. The …
Read moreEl Dorado County Protects Medical Cannabis Cultivation Rights for 2020
4/20/20 – Thanks to all who took our advice to #FlattenThe420Curve and stocked up in advance for 420 celebrations this year, instead of crowding retailers on 4/20. There are lots of opportunities to celebrate online that support reform groups and/or COVID charities. Don’t Go to Hippie Hill This Year (or Gather Anywhere Else) …
Shauna Blackburn, Risk Manager specialist at Cannabis Connect Insurance Services gives advice in this video about reducing risk and protecting yourself and your business during COVID-19. Topics include: • Safe money handling techniques • Holding safety meetings • Workers’ Compensation and EPLI insurance • Masks and Gloves; Hand Sanitizer • Sanitizing work stations • Building …
Read moreAdvice on Protecting Yourself During COVID-19 Crisis From an Insurance Provider
Photo: Noah Friedlander / CC BY-SA READ A MESSAGE FROM NORML’S NATIONAL DIRECTOR ABOUT COVID-19, CANNABIS AND SAFETY THIS STORY WILL BE UPDATED AS DEVELOPMENTS HAPPEN. UPDATE 3/23/20: MONTEREY COUNTY AND AGRICULTURE INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS ENDORSE ADVISORY FOR AGRICULTURAL WORKER PROTECTION DURING COVID-19 CRISIS 3/21/20: California’s Dept. of Public Health has issued an order deeming cannabis retailer …
Read moreCannabis Businesses Deemed “Essential” in California During COVID-19 Orders
Preliminary responses to our recent membership survey show that Cal NORML is on track with our legislative priorities for 2020. Respondents voted their top three priorities as: • 76% Lowering taxes on cannabis • 63% Employment rights for medical patients • 63% Opening local markets for marijuana businesses There’s still time to take let us …
